THE electoral arrangements for Acomb Parish Council are being examined with a view to increasing the number of members from seven to nine.

The parish council is concerned that the number of parish councillors has stood at seven for at least 30 years, despite the increase in the number of houses in the parish. The current electorate is 1,042. 

The parish council has said an increase in the number of councillors would allow workload to be spread out more evenly. 

The National Association of Local Councils Circular 1126 states that, typically, parishes with an electorate of between 501 and 2,500 have between six and twelve councillors. It adds that the minimum number of councillors for any parish should be seven with a maximum of 25.

Northumberland County Council is now consulting with local electors and other stakeholders in the area about the proposals. 

If approved, there will be an increase in the number of parish councillors to nine at the next ordinary elections of the parish council in May 2025.